Simple List of 30 Audio Interfaces with Thunderbolt (roundup)

Updated by Danielle

Updated on July 15th, 2023

Checked links for each interface and added more to the Motu series. Enjoy the list, everyone! ~ Danielle

This is a simple list of audio interfaces that use a Thunderbolt connection. Since you're on this page, I'll assume that you already know what a Thunderbolt audio interface is and won't worry about getting into the details of that. We all know what we're here for.

Keep in mind this is not necessarily a ranking or recommendation. We're just listing all of the audio interfaces that have this feature.

Look at Universal Audio, Lynx Aurora, Apogee, and MOTU as the brands that specify in Thunderbolt interfaces.

Also keep tabs on I/O variations within a series.

Enjoy the list, and feel free to recommend additions if you think/know of something we've left out.

Read more: Best Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces

The Symphony MK2 interface by Apogee.

Full List of Audio Interfaces with Thunderbolt

Most of these interfaces are part of a series, with multiple versions and configurations to choose from. By far, the most common variable to consider (as I mentioned) is going to be the number of inputs and outputs. This all depends on what you need, but if you're looking for one of these, you probably know that already.

The Apollo series, from Universal Audio, all support a Thunderbolt connection.

Is a Thunderbolt audio interface worth it?

I do want to address a rather important question when it comes to these devices. Is it worth it to spend the extra money for the Thunderbolt connection?

Because these interfaces are really expensive.

So why buy one? What are the advantages?

Having a Thunderbolt connection on an audio interface offers a few advantages that are really important in a pro recording studio context. They're primarily the following:

High-Speed Data Transfer: Thunderbolt technology provides incredibly fast data transfer rates, allowing for streaming of high-quality audio and low-latency recording and playback. Thunderbolt 3, supports data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, which is significantly faster than other common connection types like USB (Thunderbolt is also faster than USB-C)
Low Latency: Thunderbolt interfaces provide extremely low latency. This ensures that there is minimal delay between playing or singing a note and hearing it back through your monitors or headphones.
Multiple Simultaneous Channels: Thunderbolt interfaces often support a large number of input and output channels simultaneously, allowing for complex recording setups.

So the advantages of Thunderbolt connections are particularly noticeable when using high-channel-count interfaces or when working with professional audio applications that require really low latency and high data transfer rates.

They're probably not necessary outside of a professional or near-professional level recording studio.

For simple home recording studios or offices, the benefits of Thunderbolt may not be worth the significant investment compared to a USB interface, especially USB-C.

Anything to add?

When we put together lists like these, the community often helps us keep them updated by mentioning gear we might have missed or new gear that comes into the market. If you know of an audio interface with a Thunderbolt connection that you think should be listed here, drop it in the comments section below.

We'll add it and then give you a shoutout in the update box at the top of the page.

Otherwise, enjoy the list.

Thanks for trusting our content.

Audio Interface with 4 Inputs (roundup of 15 options)

Written by GC Editorial on Recording & Roundups

Audio Interface with 4 Inputs (roundup of 15 options)

Bose S1 Pro Plus Review (bought and tested)

Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Pro Audio & Reviews

Bose S1 Pro Plus Review (bought and tested)

Author

Guitar Chalk Editorial
Making real recommendations and producing high-quality content is what Guitar Chalk is all about. Committed to informing today's guitar player.
View all posts